Stone House Vineyard

On the bluffs above Lake Travis, a Spicewood winery that actually feeds you

There's a particular kind of Hill Country stop that's really just a pour and a view — five minutes at the bar, a photo of the lake, back in the car. Stone House isn't that. You can still do the quick flight if you're passing through on Haynie Flat Road, but the real reason to carve out an afternoon here is that somebody is cooking, the kitchen takes itself seriously, and the table — not the tasting bar — is where people end up staying.

The story. Angela Moench and her husband Howard, a Houston physician, are the owners of Stone House Vineyard in Spicewood, and growing up in southern Australia's Barossa Valley, one of the country's most prolific wine making regions, it never occurred to Angela that people did anything other than make wine. The property's name is literal: the winery's tasting room is built with enormous limestone blocks—each weighing more than 2,000 pounds—embodying the strength, permanence, and timeless character of a true Stone House. In 1996 the Moenchs set out to plant something different in the Hill Country, and by the mid-2000s their Texas Norton, bottled as Claros, had found its footing; by 2005, Angela's Norton wine, branded as Claros, had achieved notable success, paving the way for the winery's opening, and in January 2006, Stone House Vineyard welcomed the public, pouring alongside wines from Angela's Australian label, Stone House Vintners, with a longtime family friend from Napa Valley soon joining as consulting winemaker, expanding the portfolio with California wines.

The food side of the operation has grown up right along with the wine list. Today Chef Kristine Kittrell runs the kitchen, and her résumé is deep: her nearly 30-year culinary journey in Texas reflects her deep commitment to quality and community, building strong relationships with local farmers, fishmongers, butchers, and artisanal purveyors so the kitchen can lean on what's actually in season. The flagship red, Enargeia, is a quieter piece of the story worth knowing before you order a glass: since 2016, the wine has stood as Angela's tribute to Howard, honoring his love of Greek literature and Bordeaux wines — a rich Napa Valley blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec that keeps that part of the winery's history present at every table.

The vibe. This is a 21-and-up property, and it feels like it the moment you pull up the long drive — unhurried, hushed, built for adults who want to actually hear each other talk. The tasting room sits on a high bluff with the lake spread out below, and the patio is the move whenever the weather allows: shaded tables, vineyard rows on one side, water on the other. The place is kid and dog friendly on the patio — dogs are welcome outside, and the FAQ confirms it: well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome in designated outdoor areas. Go on a quieter weekday afternoon (Thursday or Monday) if you want the view to yourself, or lean into a Friday evening, when the kitchen stays open latest and the room fills in slowly rather than all at once.

What to order. The dining program changes with the seasons, but the wine list is the throughline, and it's worth building a visit around a bottle. A few to know by name:

Good to know. Reservations are recommended for weekends, larger groups, and special events, though walk-in guests are always welcome as space allows. Stone House is a 21+ property, so leave the kids home. Outside food isn't permitted, and most wine tastings run about 45 to 60 minutes. The October Sunday Roast already ran on the 11th, so this week's version has passed — but it's a monthly fixture, so watch the calendar for November's date. The kitchen does post early closures around big events (the site flags a 4 p.m. kitchen close on a few October dates), so if you're planning dinner rather than a daytime visit, it's worth a quick call first.

Suggested hashtags: #LocalEats #StoneHouseVineyard #Spicewood #LakeTravis #ATXeats #SpicewoodTX #WestAustin #EatLocal